Under criticism for not condemning the murder of Ramalingam, a PMK functionary near Kumbakonam who was killed hours after he opposed conversion bid by Muslims, DMK president M K Stalin and ‘pro-Tamil’ leaders have condemned it and sought action against assailants.

These leaders, known for their Hindu hatred and minority appeasement politics, have finally broken silence due to immense pressure from various quarters.

In a tweet, Stalin, the leader of the opposition in the Assembly asked the government to end such violence.

“The AIADMK government should come forward to guard communal harmony that traditionally prevails in Tamil Nadu by taking stern action against the perpetrators, whichever religion they may belong to,” he said.

Seeman said murder can not be accepted for any reason and sought action against the assailants. Tamizhar Vazhvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan has also condemned the murder.

Ramalingam of Thirubuvanam near the temple town of Kumbakonam in central Tamil Nadu, was killed on February 5 after he questioned a group of Muslims allegedly engaged in proselytising.

Based on a statement from his son, who was a witness to the brutal murder, the police arrested five people, suspected to be associated with an Islamic outfit for the killing.

Earlier, PMK founder S Ramadoss said that Ramalingam was attempting to prevent a religious conversion.

“No one with a conscience will accept the heinous murder of someone who opposed religious conversion. Such acts are against humanity. Such acts, ruining religious co-existence and stoking communal violence should not be permitted,” Ramadoss added.